The StarShoot G3 Deep Space Monochrome CCD Camera by Orion:
Discover the joy of taking gorgeous 16-bit pictures of deep space phenomena without breaking the bank with the value-packed Orion StarShoot G3 Deep Space Monochrome Imaging Camera! Orion's affordable third generation entry-level monochrome StarShoot Deep Space Imaging Camera lets you take beautiful astrophotos without emptying your wallet.
The Orion StarShoot G3 Deep Space Monochrome Imaging Camera has been designed with performance enhancing features and software that until now have been reserved for much more expensive CCD imagers. Built around the popular Sony interline ICX419ALL Monochrome CCD chip, which boasts a 752 x 582 pixel array with sensitive, 8.6 micron by 8.3 micron pixels, the StarShoot G3 is capable of detecting fine details in celestial objects. This bigger, 1/2-inch format CCD sensor usually isn't available in cameras priced as low as the StarShoot G3, and it provides a much larger imaging field of view than cameras equipped with 1/3-inch format chips so you can shoot more sky in far less time.
Featuring a monochrome imaging CCD chip, the StarShoot G3 Monochrome Imaging Camera is capable of performing advanced tri-color imaging techniques when used with proper LRGB or narrowband astrophotography filters. Using a monochrome astrophotography camera gives you complete control over which light wavelengths to accentuate to achieve vibrantly colored astrophotos of deep space phenomena.
The StarShoot G3 Deep Space Monochrome Imaging Camera is the only monochrome camera in its price range to feature regulated thermoelectric cooling (TEC). Regulated thermoelectric cooling significantly improves astrophoto quality and reduces noise by enabling accurate dark frame acquisition. This regulated cooling feature is usually only found in much pricier cameras, and makes the StarShoot G3 a truly amazing value. The on-board TEC can cool the StarShoot G3 Mono to a brisk 10-degrees C below ambient temperature so that noise is minimized in dark frames and exposures. The monochrome StarShoot G3 even features a small, vibration-free fan which assists the TEC to remove warm air and further optimize imaging results. These cooling features are usually only found on imaging cameras priced up to four times more expensive than the Orion StarShoot G3!
The Orion StarShoot G3 Deep Space Monochrome Imaging Camera is capable of downloading a full frame image in approximately 2 seconds. A convenient sub-frame downloading feature allows for even speedier results. A convenient wide exposure range allows you to take extensive exposures of wispy deep space objects and then capture a quick snapshot of the Moon during the same imaging session.
Complete astrophotography imaging software is included with the StarShoot G3 Deep Space Monochrome Imaging Camera. Orion Camera Studio software makes it easy to control image capture through the camera, save results, process images, and share with family and friends! The included software is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8 Operating Systems (32 bit, 64 bit). ASCOM drivers are also included for the Orion StarShoot G3 Deep Space Monochrome Imaging Camera, allowing use with a number of other popular image processing programs, such as Nebulosity, ImagesPlus, and more.
The versatile Orion StarShoot G3 can also be used as a dedicated autoguider, with a direct ST-4 output conveniently built right into the camera body. Use the StarShoot G3 as a high-performance, low-noise 16-bit CCD autoguider with a high-end CCD imaging camera or DSLR attached to your imaging telescope for especially accurate tracking and precise results. Included ASCOM drivers allow you to use your choice of autoguiding software with the StarShoot G3, such as PHD Guiding, when using the camera as an autoguider. Autoguiding software is not included with the Orion StarShoot G3 Monochrome Deep Space Imaging Camera.
The Orion StarShoot G3 Deep Space Monochrome Imaging Camera comes with a removable 1.25-inch nosepiece for easy attachment to virtually any telescope focuser. The nosepiece is threaded for use with 1.25-inch Orion imaging filters so you can easily enhance your images. Removing the 1.25-inch nosepiece reveals a built-in 2-inch nosepiece with standard T-threads for secure coupling of the camera to your imaging telescope and/or astrophotography accessories.
Measuring just 3.4-inch in diameter with a depth of 1.85-inch, the compact Orion StarShoot G3 Deep Space Monochrome Imaging Camera won't take up much space in your accessory case, and its small size makes it a great candidate for use with Fastar and Hyperstar imaging systems. The camera weighs just 12-ounces, so whether it is used as an imaging camera or autoguider, it will keep your astrophotography setup lean and mean.
The StarShoot G3 Deep Space Monochrome Imaging Camera connects to your computer via its USB 2.0 connection, and a 10-foot USB cable is included. A 10-foot auto-lighter power cable is also included to provide 12V DC power to the on-board cooling TEC when needed. The USB 2.0 connection provides enough power to the camera for non-cooled operation or for use as an autoguider. External power is only required for TEC operation.
The Orion StarShoot G3 Deep Space Monochrome Imaging Camera is Orion's most affordable 16-bit, cooled monochrome CCD imaging camera. In fact, it's one of the most affordable feature-packed cameras available to astrophotographers today!
Orion StarShoot G3 Deep Space Monochrome CCD Camera Specifications:
- Best for imaging: Deep sky
- Imaging sensor: Sony ICX419ALL monchrome CCD
- Imaging sensor size: 7.40 mm x 5.95 mm
- Pixel array: 752 x 582 (437,664 total)
- Pixel size: 8.6 x 8.3
- Imaging chip: Monochrome
- Autoguider capability: Yes
- Exposure range: 0.01 seconds to indefinite
- A/D conversion: 16-bit
- Thermoelectric cooling: Yes
- IR filter: No
- Mounting: 1.25-inch nozzle, 2-inch nozzle or T-thread
- USB connection: High-speed 2.0
- Software compatibility: Windows XP/Vista/7/8
- Full well capacity: 50,000e-
- Read noise (RMS): 9e-
- Dark signal (at 0-degrees C): 0.01e-/pixel/sec
- Gain: 0.79e- per ADU
- Binning: 1x1, 2x2
- Max cooling: Neg.10-degrees C from ambient
- Full frame download time: 2 sec
- Backfocus distance (from T-threads): 19 mm
- Weight: 12-ounces
- Warranty: One Year
OPT Product Number: OR-53083
